Changes for the Saab 9-3 through the years - North America

[nordwulf]

This will be a work in progress, obviously.. I know something about the 9-3 model range but not an expert for sure. So please point out any mistakes or other items that should be added.

2003
Introduction of the Saab 9-3 sedan (full press release)
Linear (175hp 2.0t), Arc (210hp 2.0T) and Vector (210hp 2.0T)
manual transmissions: 5-speed with 2.0t and 6-speed with 2.0T

2004
New Aero model, Vector name discontinued due to copyright dispute
Introduction of the convertible
Discontinued:
rear center armrest compartment
illuminated ignition switch
rear air vent (NA only)
fuel door lock (NA only)

2005
ALU57 5 spoke wheel with slot with each spoke introduced, used for the 2005 Linear and 2006-2007 2.0T
New oil filter cover design
BCM programming changed so fuel door locks cannot be retrofitted except if activated manually (access the lock plunger from the trunk with you finger to lock the fuel door)

2006
2.8T V6 engine introduced for the Aero
2.0T replaces Arc and Linear, taking most features from the Arc
SportCombi introduced
Body-colored door handles for North America
Exterior trunk micro-switch discontinued (mid-year)


2007
New dashboard
New GM audio systems (no more fiber-optic)
100K mile GM powertrain warranty
2.0T Anniversary models:

• new five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels
• dark walnut trim
• black floor mats with grey binding
• premium audio with XM Satellite Radio and a six-disc changer
• dual-power front seats
• front fog lamps
• black leather sport seats with grey inserts and "SAAB" embossmen
• body-color trunk-lid spoiler (sedan and convertible)
• special ice blue metallic or six other color choices

2008
Exterior refresh (full press release)

• New headlights, clam-shell hood and front bumper
• Clear tail lights
• New door handles, door strips removed

Turbo X



2009
100K mile powertrain warranty discontinued

2010
2.8T V6 engine discontinued
Convertible production moved from Graz, Austria to Trollhattan, Sweden
New 9-3X SportCombi (full press release)

[Dave T]

2004
New Aero model, Vector name discontinued due to copyright dispute
SAI is no longer used in the engine
rear center armrest compartment is discontinued
illuminated ignition switch is discontinued
rear air vent is discontinued for North America but continues in some markets
fuel door lock discontinued for North America but continues in some markets. Such lock is required for cars sold in the UK.

2005
ALU57 5 spoke wheel with slot with each spoke introduced, used for the 2005 Linear and 2006-2007 2.0T
new oil filter cover design
BCM programming changed so fuel door locks cannot be retrofitted except if activated manually (access the lock plunger from the trunk with you finger to lock the fuel door)

2006
Door handles in body colors, no longer automatically black, for the North American market but black is available for some markets.
Mid-year, the exterior trunk microswitch is discontinued
2.0T replaces Arc and Linear, taking features from mostly the Arc
new brake fluid cover design

[nordwulf]

Thanks

Original post updated.